WLWT News 5's Brian Hamrick asked Stephenson for his reaction to the verdict as he was led from the courtroom in handcuffs, but Stephenson remained silent.

Jennings’ family spoke out.

"My reaction is finally some relief. And he got what I believe he deserved," said Jennings' son Ryan Siebe.

Prosecutor Aaron Negangard said this is the verdict he has been waiting for.

"What we've come for from the beginning is justice. Justice for Leah Jennings and justice for her family."

Leah Jennings was killed in March 2011 in her Aurora home. The jury determined Stephenson beat her to death with a pepper grinder and a skillet.

Stephenson's defense team called his grown children to the stand. His daughter Sarah told the jury her father was "a very kind person" and his son Farly said he "respectfully disagreed with the verdict."

Stephenson's defense attorney confirmed the conviction will be appealed.

Jeff Sharp said, "(Stephenson) is maintaining his innocence."

No timeline was established for the appeal. But for now Stephenson is a convicted killer who left the courthouse Tuesday, as one detective put it, "sentenced to death by incarceration."